Bass Care 101

Catch and release can have minimal effect on bass survival if fish are landed quickly, carefully, and held in livewells with sufficient oxygen and temperatures at or below 84 degrees. Keep these 5 helpful points in mind.

1. Water temperature is the most important factor in largemouth survival. Maintain water temperatures of no more than 84 degrees in your livewell. Keep frozen water bottles in your ice chest to use for cooling your livewell water as needed.
2. Fish need oxygen. Maximize aeration and flush the livewell with fresh water periodically to insure you have adequate oxygen levels.
3. Land your fish as quickly as possible and keep them in the air for as little time as possible.
4. When handling the fish be careful not to remove the protective slime or damage the gills. Wet your hands before handling, and don't "boat flip" your bass onto the deck.
5. Proper positioning when handling fish is important. Hold bass horizontally with two hands, or fully vertical with one hand. Do not put the weight of the fish on the jaw, or the jaw could be damaged.